Garth Crooks has praised Kevin De Bruyne for his role in Manchester City’s 4-2 win over Crystal Palace at the weekend.

The Belgian scored the equaliser with a top-drawer strike before providing an assist for Erling Haaland which Crooks described as “pure class”.

De Bruyne then proceeded to score his 100th goal for the club, as he bagged a brace during his side’s victory at Selhurst Park.

The 32-year-old had been rested for the midweek game against Aston Villa. He has only recently recovered from a groin strain and Pep Guardiola has been trying to manage his fitness.

De Bruyne’s form since returning from injury

The midfielder has had his fair share of injury problems this season. As well as his aforementioned groin issue, he spent the first half of the campaign on the treatment table after tearing his hamstring.

However, despite the struggles that De Bruyne has faced, he has still managed to contribute. He has now scored 4 goals and contributed an incredible 14 assists in only 16 appearances this season.

City star is named in Crooks’ Team of the Week

Crooks was speaking about De Bruyne after selecting the Belgian international in his Premier League Team of the Week.

In terms of the rest of the eleven the BBC pundit chose, he went with Everton’s Jordan Pickford in goal, after the Toffees kept a clean sheet in their bottom-of-the-table clash against Burnley.

Crooks picked three central defenders: Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven, and Arsenal pair William Saliba and Gabriel, who continue to provide the backbone for the Gunners’ title challenge.

In midfield, De Bruyne is joined by Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo (following his outstanding goal against Liverpool), Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes and  Arsenal’s Declan Rice.

Up front, Luton Town striker Carlton Morris was included alongside Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins.